News Astronomy

‘Space beads’ push back origins of iron working

Ancient Egyptians heated and hammered meteorite metal into ornaments

METAL FROM THE SKY  Three ancient Egyptian beads made of iron from a meteorite sit between examples of other beads that they were strung with, including lapis lazuli (blue), carnelian (brownish red), agate (green and white) and gold.

UCL Petrie/Rob Eagle

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Iron beads from jewelry discovered a century ago in an ancient Egyptian grave came from pieces of meteorites that were hammered and heated into ornaments, two new studies find.